Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration by Rose Brock

Hope Nation is an anthology of over twenty personal stories from a variety of authors about hope. Not every story is designed for every reader, but it is likely to widen the perspective for young adult readers. For example, it can provide a new perspective for readers by empathizing with a person who was involved in a car accident that caused disfigurement or feel the anxiety of someone coming out gay. Equally, the stories deal with tragedy, triumph, struggle, racism, immigration, prejudice, sexual orientation, advice, and many other socially relevant issues. They do not just point out that one must hope, but that hope is learned through experience at various times in one’s life. Kirkus Reviews advises readers to use Hope Nation as “A salve when days are bleak.” (Kirkus Reviews, 2018)

Critical Analysis

The authors tell their stories in the first person and their sequences are easy to follow. Likewise, they are varied, which makes it possible for readers to identify or empathize with at least one character or situation while the characters are authentic, sensible, and ambitious. The main themes include racism, political climate, LGBTQ, prejudice, activism, civil rights, tragedy, and perseverance. A similar book called Radical Hope: Letter of Love and Dissent in Dangerous times by Carolina De Robertis contains similar content about the current political climate and activism. The strength of this book is its ability to explore social issues of many unique circumstances and perspectives. A weakness is that it does not explore social issues like voting rights, gun violence, and healthcare. Teachers can use this book as a lesson in empathy, acceptance, or political climate.

Audiobook Details

This review was written using the unabridged version audiobook through the Audible application. The length of the audiobook is seven hours and twenty-four minutes. The narrators’ who are a mix of males and females provide a steady performance, which brings the stories to life. The sound quality is excellent without distracting noises. The listening experience is interesting because of the many different stories and experiences. In the introduction, the editor, Rose Brock discusses her difficulties in learning as a German immigrant in the U.S. till she found reading. This experience and her mother’s “hopeful anecdotes,” helped bring about her love for stories of hope and this powerful book. (Brock, 2018)

References

Brock, R. (2018). Hope Nation: YA authors share personal moments of inspiration. (R. Brock, Narr., M. Crouch, Narr., K. Rudd, Narr., B. Turpin, T. Gilbert, N. Wu, Narr., M. Andrews, Narr., A. Ojo, E. Spencer, Narr., K. Garcia, Narr., M. Marno, Narr., P. Onayemi, Narr., R. Soler, Narr., J. LaVoy, G. Lockhard, Narr., C. A. Ciulla, Narr.,) [Audiobook]. Listening Library. https://www.audible.com/pd/Hope-Nation-Audiobook/B079J4R7RG?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp&shareTest=TestShare

Hope Nation brings together. (2018, February 27). Hope nation. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/rose-brock/hope-nation/